First step towards global harmonization of organic standards

Organic food that meets the USDA organic standard can be sold as organic in Canada, and organic food that meets Canada’s national organic regulations that take effect June 30^t will be able to sold in the U.S.

Products traded under the agreement may carry both the USDA Organic seal and the Canada Organic Biologique logo.

"The production of organic foods is a vibrant growth opportunity for American agriculture, and by agreeing on a common set of organic principles with Canada, we are expanding market opportunities for our producers to sell their products abroad," said Merrigan. "Today's agreement between the world's two largest organic trading partners is an important first step towards global harmonization of organic standards."

• Canada is the largest estimated export market for U.S. organic products.
• It’s estimated that more than 80 percent of Canada’s organics come from imports and 75 percent of those imports come from the U.S.
• The majority of organic goods exported from the U.S. to Canada are produce and processed foods.
• The total market for organics is Canada is estimated to be between $2.1 and $2.6 billion.